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AMBI: The state logistics agency's (Bulog) Jambi branch will stop distributing rice under the rice-for-the-poor (Raskin) program, due to late payments.

Bulog's Sarolangun and Bangko (Sarko) Region IV office said Wednesday that 25 villages in 24 districts in Merangin regency are three months behind on their payments.

"We'll suspend the Raskin program for a number of villages because they are in arrears of more than three months," said office head Mansyur.

Among the affected villages are Dusun Tuo, Pasar Masurai, Aur Berduri, Palipan and Karang Birahi.

Mansyur said the total Raskin arrears in Merangin regency amounted to Rp 473 million (US$47,300). The amount overdue is less than Sarolangun regency's Rp 1.3 billion.

He said rice sold under the program should not be sold for more than Rp 1,600 a kilogram without the prior approval of village administrators.